Title

Windows Server 2016 minimum password length must be configured to 14 characters. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Information systems not protected with strong password schemes (including passwords of minimum length) provide the opportunity for anyone to crack the password, thus gaining access to the system and compromising the device, information, or the local network.

Check Content

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor. Run "gpedit.msc". Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy. If the value for the "Minimum password length," is less than "14" characters, this is a finding. For server core installations, run the following command: Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt If "MinimumPasswordLength" is less than "14" in the file, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Minimum password length" to "14" characters.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-224872r982202_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-224872

Group Title: SRG-OS-000078-GPOS-00046

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.